The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 23 January 2024 to discuss the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) report on business plans. The committee resolved to refer its comments on the HSDP to the Cabinet for consideration.

Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) Report - Business Plans

The committee reviewed the business plans for the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP), a joint venture between Harrow Council and Wates Residential established in July 2021. The partnership aims to deliver over 1,000 new homes across three council sites: Poets Corner, Byron Quarter (Phase 1), and Peel Road.

It was noted that the Peel Road development has been paused due to costs and viability issues. The planning submission for Byron Quarter Phase 1 is anticipated in May 2024, aiming to deliver 30% affordable housing (approximately 44 homes). Poets Corner Phase 1 is expected to deliver 15% affordable housing (approximately 159 homes), with 6% in the first phase.

The committee heard that building heights had been reduced in some areas to comply with new safety regulations, improving scheme viability. Poets Corner is planned as a build-to-rent scheme and will be 'forward funded'. A primary school initially planned for the Poets Corner site is no longer deemed necessary. The Milton Road development, a 100% affordable scheme, has been redesigned to reduce from seven to six storeys and is currently under construction.

Concerns were raised regarding the quality of new accommodation and the financial implications of unpredictable interest rates. Members were assured that independent financial advice had been sought and risks were being mitigated. The committee requested that the voluntary sector be included in the list of consultees for the development and asked for officers to review project milestones. Further financial information was also requested.

The committee resolved that its comments be referred to the Cabinet for consideration. The press and public were excluded from the subsequent discussion of confidential appendices to the report.